13 Christmas-themed video games for PC and consoles
Games for computer and consoles that will convey the atmosphere of Christmas (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
The holiday season is a time of magic, coziness, and, of course, fun games. If you're looking to bring some Christmas spirit to your gaming sessions, there’s a wide range of games that transport you to a world of winter wonders and holiday cheer, reports Gamerant.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a superhero game centered around Miles Morales, who protects New York from villains during Christmas. The game is a spin-off of Marvel's Spider-Man and is a great introduction to the protagonist, enhancing combat and navigation mechanics compared to the previous game.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (photo: Gamerant)
Parasite Eve
Platforms: PS1
Parasite Eve is an RPG that blends Final Fantasy and Resident Evil elements. Players take on the role of Detective Aya Brea, tasked with investigating mysterious events in New York, where everyone but her is engulfed in flames, and saving Christmas.
Parasite Eve (photo: Gamerant)
Batman: Arkham Origins
Platforms: Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Batman: Arkham Origins is a prequel to Arkham City. It uses the same map with Christmas-themed decorations and modifications that create a unique atmosphere.
On Christmas Eve, Gotham City becomes a war zone as Black Mask hires assassins to eliminate Batman. While the game remains enjoyable, it doesn’t quite reach the level of Arkham Asylum or Arkham City.
Batman: Arkham Origins (photo: Gamerant)
Tom Clancy's The Division
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Tom Clancy's The Division is set in New York during the holiday season as the city grapples with the outbreak of a deadly virus. Players take on the role of an elite special agent tasked with restoring order in the snow-covered city. While its sequel has surpassed the game, it remains a solid shooter with an engaging setting.
Tom Clancy's The Division (photo: Gamerant)
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge
Platforms: PS2, Xbox (Original)
Oogie’s Revenge is a game inspired by the film The Nightmare Before Christmas, where Jack Skellington must once again stop Oogie Boogie from taking over Christmas.
Developed by Capcom, the game combines hack-and-slash elements and draws inspiration from Devil May Cry. Though the combat may feel somewhat unpolished, it offers a vibrant atmosphere and familiar characters.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge (photo: Gamerant)
Saints Row 4: How the Saints Save Christmas
Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Switch, PC, Stadia
Saints Row 4, an open-world game known for its humor and superpowers, takes on a festive twist in the DLC How the Saints Save Christmas. Players must rescue Santa, bringing a quirky and comedic concept to the game.
Saints Row 4: How The Saints Save Christmas (photo: Gamerant)
Yakuza
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One
The Yakuza series uses Christmas as a backdrop in several games, including Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami. In Yakuza 5, there’s even a storyline where Saejima dresses as Santa and fights off thugs hunting him, adding a festive touch to the game.
Yakuza (photo: Gamerant)
Daze Before Christmas
Platforms: Sega Genesis, SNES
Daze Before Christmas is a 90s platformer where Santa must retrieve Christmas presents stolen by an evil version of himself. Despite its simplicity, the game stands out with its unique concept and is worth exploring, even if it’s not considered a classic.
Daze Before Christmas (photo: Gamerant)
Shenmue
Platforms: PC, PS4, Sega Dreamcast, Xbox One
Shenmue is one of the most influential games of all time. While it isn’t entirely centered around Christmas, the holiday is depicted with such brilliance that it’s worth experiencing for that alone.
Shenmue (photo: Gamerant)
Viscera Cleanup Detail: Santa's Rampage
Platforms: PC
Viscera Cleanup Detail is a game in which players clean up the aftermath of battles. One of its DLCs, Santa's Rampage, presents a bizarre task: tidying up after a bloody incident involving Santa Claus. This adds an eccentric twist to the Christmas spirit.
Viscera Cleanup Detail: Santa's Rampage (photo: Gamerant)
Bayonetta 2
Platforms: Switch, Nintendo Wii U
Bayonetta 2 begins with Bayonetta doing Christmas shopping, though the game itself isn’t focused on the holiday. It’s a stylish hack-and-slash game that subverts expectations by battling angels while introducing accessibility elements compared to the previous installment.
Bayonetta 2 (photo: Gamerant)
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Platforms: PC, PS2, PS3, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake takes place on the eve of Christmas, with the protagonist traveling to Zanzibarland to stop a nuclear attack by mechs. While it was overshadowed by the more popular installments in the series, it remains a significant release in the stealth genre.
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (photo: Gamerant)
Special Mention: Dead Rising 4
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Dead Rising 4 takes place after Christmas, with holiday decorations scattered throughout an abandoned city, creating a festive atmosphere. While the game is considered weaker than previous installments in the series, it still offers fun and absurd gameplay with the character Frank West.
Special Mention: Dead Rising 4 (photo: Gamerant)
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